Overview
Every independent adult Zoi household in inZOI faces recurring financial obligations: weekly utility bills, optional loan repayments, and the need to manage savings. The financial system uses Meow as its currency and provides several tools for managing money, from bank accounts and deposits to emergency welfare checks and high-risk loan shark lending. Understanding these systems is essential for keeping a household running smoothly and avoiding utility shutoffs.
Weekly Utility Bills
Utility bills are the primary recurring expense. They arrive every Friday via a notification from the Tax Department on the smartphone Messages app. The payment deadline is approximately 2 days (Sunday) after the bill arrives. Bills cover three categories:
Category | What Affects Cost | How to Reduce |
|---|---|---|
Electricity | Number of electronic devices, lights, and appliances running in the household | Turn off TVs, computers, and lights when not in use; limit powered devices |
Water | Usage from sinks, showers, bathtubs, toilets, washing machines, and irrigation | Take shorter showers; avoid unnecessary water usage; mop spills promptly |
Property Tax | Value of the lot and furniture in the home (fixed weekly cost) | Simpler home with less expensive furniture lowers the rate |
How Costs Scale
Electricity and water costs are usage-based. A household that leaves multiple TVs, computers, and gaming consoles running around the clock will pay significantly more than one that keeps appliances off when not in use. Property tax is calculated from the total value of the lot and all placed furniture, so a modest home with affordable items pays less than a mansion filled with premium decor. Bill amounts vary depending on household size and lifestyle, but most working Zois can cover their weekly bills comfortably with a single career income.
Who Pays Bills
Only adult Zois living independently pay bills. Children's bills are covered by their parents. If a child lives with a parent or guardian, the parent's household absorbs the cost. Young Adults who move out and establish their own household begin receiving their own bills.
How to Pay
Open the smartphone (press P)
Go to the Messages app
Select the Tax Department conversation
Click "Submit Payment"
Funds are deducted automatically from the household's Meow balance. If the household does not have enough Meow, the payment button appears but the transaction will not complete until sufficient funds are available.
Consequences of Non-Payment
Ignoring bills triggers an escalating sequence of penalties:
Stage | Consequence |
|---|---|
1. Reminders | Tax Department sends follow-up messages via smartphone |
2. Overdue Notice | Penalty fee added to the original bill amount |
3. Electricity Shutoff | All electronic devices, lights, and appliances stop working; the house goes dark at night |
4. Water Shutoff | Sinks, showers, bathtubs, and toilets stop functioning; hygiene management becomes difficult |
5. Negative Moodlets | Affected Zois receive Unpleasant and Uncomfortable status effects |
Utilities remain disconnected until the full balance (including penalties) is paid. There is no eviction for unpaid bills. The Zoi keeps their home regardless of how long bills go unpaid. The only consequences are disconnected utilities and negative moodlets.
Banking
Two banks operate in inZOI, one in each main city:
Bank | City | Hours |
|---|---|---|
Narae Bank | 8 AM to 4 PM, weekdays | |
Southwest Bank | 8 AM to 4 PM, weekdays |
To open a bank account, visit either bank in person. Zois can reach the bank by personal vehicle, subway, or bus. Banks can be located via the in-game phone or the map (Edit City button at the bottom of the screen). Inside the bank, interact with the ID Scanner near the counters to access banking services. The ID Scanner is also used for loan repayments and deposit management.
Deposits and Interest
The Tier 1 Deposit lets you deposit 250 Meow. After 3 in-game days, the deposit matures with interest and the total (principal plus interest) is automatically returned to your account. This provides a small but safe passive income stream. As you complete lower tier deposits, higher tiers unlock with larger deposit amounts and returns. Making regular deposits is one of the safest ways to grow savings over time.
Bank Loans
Banks offer property loans with relatively low interest rates (approximately 1%). When purchasing a house that exceeds your current balance, a "Receive a move-in assistance loan" option appears on the property listing. Bank loans feature predictable repayment schedules and daily interest charges based on the house price. To repay a bank loan, visit any bank in person, interact with the ID Scanner, and select the repayment option. The total owed is deducted from your Meow balance.
Loan Shark
For quick cash outside the banking system, the Loan app on the smartphone connects Zois to a loan shark. Two loan amounts are available:
Loan Amount | Interest Rate | Consequences of Default |
|---|---|---|
2,500 Meow | 5% daily | Debt collectors visit; asset seizure |
5,000 Meow | 5% daily | Debt collectors visit; asset seizure |
Loan shark debt accumulates quickly due to the 5% daily interest rate. If payments are missed, debt collectors visit the household, and forced seizure of assets can occur. Seized items in the household become unusable until the debt is resolved. To repay a loan shark debt, visit any bank and use the ID Scanner to access the repayment option. The full amount owed (principal plus accumulated interest) is deducted from your balance.
Bank Loans vs Loan Sharks
Feature | Bank Loan | Loan Shark |
|---|---|---|
Access Method | Property listing checkbox | Loan app on smartphone |
Interest Rate | ~1% daily | 5% daily |
Available Amounts | Based on property price | 2,500 or 5,000 Meow |
Repayment Location | Bank ID Scanner | Bank ID Scanner |
Collection Tactics | Standard notifications | Aggressive debt collectors; asset seizure |
Best For | Property purchases | Emergency cash only |
Welfare Safety Net
When a household's Meow balance drops below 1,000 Meow, the game automatically sends a 2,000 Meow welfare check via smartphone notification. This safety net prevents households from becoming completely destitute and ensures they can cover basic expenses like food and bills. The welfare system triggers automatically and does not need to be applied for. It can trigger repeatedly as long as the balance stays below 1,000 Meow. Some players consider this system too generous, as it effectively prevents true poverty gameplay.
Business Expenses
Zois who own a small business face additional financial obligations beyond household bills. Business operations involve inventory costs, rent for the business lot, and supply expenses. Revenue from customer traffic offsets these costs, but a poorly managed business can lose money. Business finances are managed separately through the Business App on the smartphone.
Cheat Commands
Two cheat commands bypass the billing system entirely. Enable cheats through Psycat's Guide first, then open the console with Ctrl+Shift+C:
Command | Effect |
|---|---|
stopUtilityBills true | Prevents the Tax Department from sending any bills; no charges appear on Friday |
stopUtilityBills false | Resumes normal billing |
autoUtilityBills true | Automatically pays all bills the moment they arrive; Meow is still deducted |
autoUtilityBills false | Resumes manual bill payment |
Additionally, the Money Cheat (accessible through the Guidebook icon > "Use Money Cheat") instantly adds 100,000 Meow and can be used repeatedly. This eliminates all financial pressure, including bills.
Financial Management Tips
Pay bills on Friday when they arrive. Waiting until the deadline risks penalties if you forget.
Reduce electricity costs by turning off TVs, computers, and lights when Zois are not using them.
Property tax is based on lot and furniture value. A modest home with affordable furniture keeps this cost low.
Make bank deposits regularly. The 250 Meow Tier 1 Deposit provides free interest income every 3 days.
Avoid loan shark debt unless absolutely necessary. The 5% daily interest accumulates rapidly and asset seizure is a real risk.
Bank loans for property purchases are far safer than loan shark loans, with ~1% interest and no aggressive collection.
The welfare check (2,000 Meow when below 1,000) provides emergency relief, but relying on it long-term is not sustainable.
A steady career is the most reliable way to cover recurring bills. Even entry-level jobs earn enough for basic utility costs.
Use the autoUtilityBills cheat if you want to focus on gameplay without worrying about manual bill payment.